'Tis The Season For A December Photo Contest!

It’s hard to believe we are already into December and Christmas[3] is just a few weeks away! I love this time of year -- the anticipation of spending time with friends and family, the white[4] snow dusting the South Dakota prairie, and a warm home filled with twinkly lights to remind me of the reason for the season.

To celebrate this most wonderful time of the year, we are kicking off another photo contest. We are seeking photos that commemorate what makes this season special. I love checking the mail during December because I know that I will find Christmas[5] cards from friends and family to hang on my fridge.

And that theme—Christmas scenes on the ranch—is what our December photo contest is all about.

Send me your Christmas[6] card photos, either from this year or years past. If you don’t send Christmas cards, then send photos of your ranch family during Christmas or of Christmas[6] in the country scenes. Have fun with it! The sky is the limit for what you can send.

Entries will be accepted until noon on Dec. 15. One entry per person please. Our finalists will be announced on Dec. 16, and voting will be open to choose our champions until Dec. 21. Our winners will be announced just in time for Christmas on Dec. 23. For complete rules, click here.[8]

The champion photographer will take home a $150 cash prize, while reserve champion will earn $75. Plus, two randomly selected entrants will receive a limited-edition, signed and numbered western art print ($100 value) And, five voters will take home BEEF hats.

Check back often to view through an updated gallery of reader-submitted images. As soon as you’ve entered your favorite photo, be sure to check out past galleries that capture the beauty of the winter season.